The Azolla
- Anabaena symbiosis has attracted attention as a biofertilizer worldwide,
especially in South East Asia. But its
utilization and genetic improvement has been limited mainly due to problems
associated with the isolation and characterization of cyanobionts and the
relative sensitivity of the fern to extremes of temperature and
light intensity. This paper reviews the historical
background of Azolla, its metabolic capabilities and present day utilization
in agriculture. An outline of biotechnological interventions, carried out in India and
abroad, is also discussed for a better understanding of the symbiotic
interactions, which can go a long way in further exploitation of this
association in agriculture and environmental management.